January 13, 2011

Morocco

Villa de l’O

Villa de l’O Reservations: MOROCCO@FriendsTravel.com 24/7365

Discounted First Class, Business Class and Coach International Airfares: AIR@FriendsTravel.com

Steps from the gleaming waters and bustling souks of Essaouira, this XVIIIth Riad subtly blends modern decor with the alchemy of traditional stone, sculpted wood and rich fabrics. Romantic, intriguing suites provide the ultimate in luxury and privacy at this lavish retreat sheltered by the Medina walls. Suites are decorated with a Western/Asian fusion, some providing magnificent views over the island of Mogador while others offer a more secluded feel. L’Osmose Spa is an invitation to well-being and sensory rediscovery, complete with traditional Hammam and Eastern-inspired treatments.

About Essaouira

Essaouira (English pronunciation: /ˌɛsəˈwɪərə/; Arabic: الصويرة‎, Berber: M-ugadir) is a touristic and windy city in the western Moroccan economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, on the Atlantic coast. It was formerly known, by the 16th century Portuguese as Mogador or Mogadore.

The Medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed city, as an example of a late 18th century fortified town, as transferred to North Africa.

The fishing harbour, suffering from the competition of Agadir and Safi remains rather small, although the catches (sardines, conger eels[disambiguation needed]) are surprisingly abundant due to the coastal upwelling generated by the powerful trade winds and the Canaries Current.

There are only a handful of modern purpose-built hotels within the walls of the old city. The medina is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and ‘thuya’ wood-carving (using roots of the Tetraclinis tree), both of which have been practised in Essaouira for centuries.

Essaouira is also renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected, almost waveless, bay. Several world-class clubs rent top-notch material on a weekly basis. Parasols tend to be used on the beach as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. Camel excursions are available on the beach and into the desert band in the interior.

Essaouira is the site of an annual pilgrimage to the grave of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, whose home and synagogue are preserved as an historic and religious site, the Chaim Pinto Synagogue. The Simon Attias Synagogue is also still standing.

JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant
JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365
FriendsTravel.com Google us now!
Expertise, Trust, Success ®
You cannot buy experience but you can buy from the people that have experience ®
EXPERIENCE. PROVEN. INNOVATIVE. STYLE. QUALITY. VALUE. SMART. ®
Often copied, but never duplicated! ®
It’s more than the sights. Its the Experience! ®http://FriendsTravel.com
Daily Specials http://twitter.com/FriendsTravel